What Are The Pros And Cons Of Tankless Water Heaters?

Tankless water heaters generate hot water instantly using electric coils or high-powered gas burners. They are different from standard units that heat water continuously until the heater is turned off. Tankless systems tend to use less energy because water does not have to be reheated now and then like in a standard tank model. If you are building a new home or renovating an existing one, you probably would like to know whether upgrading to a tankless water heater is a worthwhile investment. This article discusses some of the pros and cons of tankless water heaters so that you can decide whether it is ideal for your home.

Pros

  • Instant Hot Water Supply
Instant tankless electric water heater installed on grey tile wall with input and output pipe/outlet and elcb safety breaker system and silver shower.

Tankless water heaters have no reservoir because they tap right into the waterline. They heat water as soon as you turn on the showerhead, faucet, or other appliance. The heating element connected to the waterline provides an unending stream of hot water when needed without the inconvenience of bulky storage tanks.

  • Lower Energy Bills

The heating element of a tankless water heater is designed to heat water only when it is required. It is more energy-efficient than standard units when used with a water-saving showerhead and faucets. A conventional storage water heater consumes a lot of power because it is connected to a reservoir that needs to be heated constantly. With tankless water heaters, you can save more on your monthly energy bills especially if you are conservative in your water usage.

  • Smaller Footprint

The cylindrical tank of a conventional heat pump located in the basement, garage, or kitchen can be quite cumbersome for homeowners who are looking to maximize every inch of space in their homes. A tankless water heater has a smaller footprint as they eliminate the need for a large reservoir. It offers a higher efficiency than conventional water heaters, which are susceptible to energy losses from water that remains unused in the reservoir tank.

  • Longevity

High-quality demand-type water heaters last longer than the average storage water heater. They have a longer warranty because of their lengthy lifespan. This means that a homeowner will not have to foot the bill for repairs or replacement if anything goes wrong before the warranty expires. The durability of tankless water heaters is attributed to the state-of-the-art design that makes them energy efficient and economical.

  • Availability of Electric and Gas Models

Although most tankless water heaters are powered by natural gas, many homeowners install electric models to minimize both upfront and maintenance costs. Non-gas units are more convenient as they solve the problem of rerouting gas lines or investing in labor-intensive alterations. You can also opt for solar-powered tankless water heaters that do not rely on gas or electricity. This not only promoted long-term energy savings but also allows you to recoup your investment more quickly.

Cons

  • High Upfront Costs

Demand-type water heaters require a large investment up front because of their design and installation costs. The cost of installing this type of water heater may vary based on which models you compare. The purchase price may vary depending on the water heaters features, type of fuel, and the brand. These appliances also need to be installed by a professional plumber to ensure everything is installed properly as per the manufacturer’s requirements to keep the warranty valid.

  • Inconsistent Temperatures

Water temperature may vary depending on your heater’s capacity and the flow rate of appliances such as the type of showerhead or faucet. If your heater’s capacity is not large enough, you can overtax the device when several people use water at once. Manufacturers provide the temperature rise and sizing information so that you can determine the size of unit you need for your whole home.

  • Hard Water Issues

You need to install a softener to prevent calcium buildup if you are using hard water. This allows the unit to perform efficiently by maintaining the required water temperature and reducing maintenance costs. Other models tend to shut down once they detect a buildup of mineral deposits, indicating the need for cleanup before it can resume its normal operations.

If you want long-term savings on both energy and maintenance costs, then a tankless water heater can serve you long enough to enjoy its benefits. Having one installed could make your home competitive in the real estate market because buyers are interested in smart homes and energy conservation capabilities. While it may cost more upfront, it can save you a lot of money that would have been spent on costly repairs or frequent replacements if you had a conventional water heater.